Monday, February 9, 2009

Peppermint Patty

My good friend Janice, from Hearts on Noses, is in mourning today after Peppermint Patty, a sweet and gentle mama pig, left the Sanctuary yesterday for her place at the Rainbow Bridge.

In 2001, Janice was asked by the SPCA if she could take on three pigs they had seized. By the time she got there to pick them up, there were seven. Peppermint Patty had given birth, and she and her piggy sister shared the duties of the herd which Janice named "The Magnificant Seven". Peppermint Patty was a benevolent leader, ruling with quiet and strong discipline, respected by all.

A short while back, Janice noticed a growth which turned out to be a tumour. Trying to decide on the right course of treatment is a worrisome and time-consuming task. Operating on adult female potbellied pigs is always very high risk, and finding the right expertise while considering ways to minimize risk and trauma is a challenge.

Janice found Peppermint Patty down this evening at dinner time, unable to fight any longer. Janice called the emergency vet and together they helped her pass.

Janice, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how deeply you feel each pig's pain, how you torment yourself with questions of "Could I have done something differently?". Peppermint Patty had the best of care for eight years, and died knowing she was loved. She is not gone; her spirit watches you still.

Run free, Peppermint Patty, amid fields of tasty greens and marshmallow flowers, ponds of icecream and pebbles of licorise, endless apples and hazelnuts falling from their trees. Safe journey.

3 comments:

I'm so sorry, Janice, but know you will eventually appreciate that you gave Peppermint Patty the very best life you possibly could. I know you will also be comforted by your good friend, Jean, who always seems to understand so perfectly, and who writes so very eloquently about the heartaches that make rescue, and our surrender to animal friends, such a courageous act. RIP Peppermint Patty. You were well loved.